See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

According to the available information, there is limited data on the risks of Lipitor (atorvastatin) use during breastfeeding [1]. The manufacturer, Pfizer, states that it is not known whether atorvastatin is excreted in human milk [1]. The U.S. National Library of Medicine's LactMed database mentions that "there are no data on the effects of atorvastatin on the breastfed infant or the milk production" [2].

The absence of data on the safety of atorvastatin during breastfeeding makes it difficult to determine the potential risks to the breastfed infant. However, it is important to note that statins, such as Lipitor, can cross into breast milk and may pose a risk to the infant [3]. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes Lipitor as a pregnancy category X medication, which means that it is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm [4].

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) classifies Lipitor as a medication that is usually compatible with breastfeeding, but they recommend caution and close monitoring of the infant for potential adverse effects [5]. The AAP recommends considering alternative medications with more data on safety during breastfeeding [5].

In summary, the risks of Lipitor use during breastfeeding are not well-understood due to limited data. However, it is known that Lipitor can cross into breast milk, and the FDA categorizes it as a pregnancy category X medication. The AAP recommends caution and close monitoring of the infant when using Lipitor during breastfeeding.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com - Lipitor (atorvastatin) - Pfizer - Prescribing Information: <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/label/lipitor-atorvastatin-pfizer-2020-09-15.pdf>
[2] U.S. National Library of Medicine - LactMed - Atorvastatin: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501893/>
[3] Mayo Clinic - Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs safe during pregnancy?: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/statins/faq-20058104>
[4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Pregnancy Categories: <https://www.fda.gov/media/73832/download>
[5] American Academy of Pediatrics - Transfer of Drugs and Other Chemicals Into Human Milk: <https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/140/5/e20171060>